Dallas, TX (September 9, 2016) – Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM), the historic nonprofit presenter of Broadway theatre in North Texas, and Broadway Across America (BAA), the foremost presenter of first-class touring Broadway productions throughout North America, today announced that both organizations will come together to book and secure future Broadway seasons for North Texas, beginning in 2017-2018.

“Dallas is at the brink of a revolutionary transformation, especially within the arts community. Given the vitality and diversity currently on Broadway, we are excited about DSM’s partnership with Broadway Across America which could not have happened at a better time than this, the Platinum Age of musical theatre,” says Ted Munselle, DSM 2016 Chair of the Board. “Broadway Across America is known for their network of premiere theatre relations and their influence in the industry is unparalleled, which is why this partnership offers strong support for our organization,” adds Munselle.

“Broadway Across America’s roots are in Texas,” says John Gore, Owner and CEO of BAA’s parent organization, The John Gore Organization. “Since our company was founded in Texas in 1982, we are very proud that Dallas, a top 5 market, has joined our other long-time Texas partners in Austin, Houston and San Antonio as well as those throughout North America. With the largest theatrical subscription base in the world, we are excited to work with our new partners to bring DSM’s audience the best of Broadway.”

The new partnership aims to enhance both organizations presence in the industry by jointly booking shows for the Dallas market and improving marketing strategies. BAA will act as the voice for DSM in booking affairs ensuring top quality production deals, while sharing in the financial responsibilities of presenting a show. BAA’s multiple market resources will also assist DSM with analytics and promotional tools to better position their marketing efforts. DSM will become BAA’s anchor partner in the North Texas market, while further strengthening the organizations position in the southwest region, as DSM continues to enrich the cultural landscape of the community at the heart of Fair Park.

“Dallas is a world-class city and we are proud to work with Dallas Summer Musicals to bring the best shows and the best practices in the industry to Dallas,” says Lauren Reid, CEO of Broadway Across America. “It is gratifying to establish a partnership with such a beloved institution. Together, we will work to bring the highest quality arts and entertainment experiences to the North Texas community.”

DSM will continue to maintain its working relationship with Performing Arts Fort Worth to further enhance both organizations commitment in developing collaborative efforts that benefit their patrons and the performing arts in Dallas-Fort Worth.

“We have been a staple in the Dallas community for decades and a cornerstone for touring Broadway in the southwest region. From exciting new partnerships to mold-shattering upcoming developments, we look to bring the new age of the Broadway experience to Dallas, while keeping our traditional values as we continue our 77 year legacy of making memories that will last a lifetime,” says Munselle

Dallas Summer Musicals will kick off its 2016-2017 Season with the dazzling holiday favorite, BROADWAY CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND. The season will continue with the Tony Award®-winning lavish and stunning Broadway hit AN AMERICAN IN PARIS; followed by the spectacular theatrical concert, LET IT BE, a tribute to The Beatles; back by popular demand, the high-heeled kicking sensation, KINKY BOOTS; the captivating circus extravaganza, CIRCUS 1903 – THE GOLDEN AGE OF CIRCUS; and closing the season, the romantic thriller based on the smash hit film, THE BODYGUARD, starring Grammy® nominee Deborah Cox!

In addition, the beloved family-friendly stage adaptation, RUDOLPH THE RED-NOSE REINDEER: THE MUSICAL; the Emmy® Award-winning classic hit TV series, CHEERS LIVE ON STAGE; the explosive and vigorously choreographed, STOMP; and the magical and thrilling return of, THE ILLUSIONISTS will be presented as season add-ons.

Dallas Summer Musicals’ 2016-2017 Season tickets, starting at $116, are now on sale online at DallasSummerMusicals.org, by phone at 214-346-3300 and at The Box Office, 5959 Royal Lane, Suite 542 in Dallas, TX. In addition, season ticket buyers have the option to include four season add-ons to their season subscription. Season add-on tickets are discounted for subscribers and range from $14-$82 per show.

Groups of 10 or more receive a 15% discount throughout the season. Orders of 10 or more placed before September 16, 2016 will receive a 20% discount. All groups receive priority seating and many more benefits. Please call 214-426-GROUP (4768) or email Groups@DallasSummerMusicals.org.

About Dallas Summer Musicals:

Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) is the historic nonprofit presenter of Broadway theatre in North Texas. DSM produces, presents and promotes excellence in live musical theatre with year-round performances for diverse audiences of all ages, impacting the lives of children and families through education and community outreach programs, while enriching the cultural landscape of Dallas/Fort Worth, North Texas and the Southwest Region.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, DSM relies on a variety of funding sources to bring the Best of Broadway to Dallas at affordable ticket prices, as well as to preserve the beautiful historic theatre, educate young audiences and create important community programs. DSM’s Seats for Kids program provides a meaningful arts education experience to thousands of low income, at-risk and special needs children. DSM Kids Club is a program created to foster tomorrow’s musical theatre audience. Through exciting activities children gain an interest, hands-on-knowledge and appreciation of the performing arts. In addition, Dallas Summer Musicals Academy of Performing Arts offers professional theatre arts training and scholarships to talented students in need. DSM’s High School Musical Theatre Awards are patterned after Broadway’s Tony® Awards and celebrate the power of the arts to significantly improve all areas of education. DSM Associate Producers is a dynamic group of young professionals with a mission to support DSM by cultivating future patrons and leaders making DSM part of the culture for young professionals in Dallas. DSM Guild is a group of individuals who share a love of musical theatre and support DSM by providing stellar service and hospitality to the cast and crew of every show.

Since 2010 the experts at DSM have made significant changes and upgrades to its acoustical systems to improve the sound quality of the productions for all its patrons, including the hearing impaired, leading to the development of Hear Us Now!™; a device which utilizes five assistive listening technologies (T-coils, FM Classroom, Streamers, FM systems, and traditional headsets) to deliver a clear and direct audio signal. It is so unique that a trademark has been allowed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Seats for Vets, DSM’s newest initiative, serves war veterans and their families by providing them discounted access to a unique theatrical experience as a way of thanking them for their service. Ticket sales alone do not sustain these endeavors. Only support from committed businesses, foundations and individuals make these programs possible.

Dallas Summer Musicals is presented by Texas Instruments and gratefully acknowledges the support of our season sponsors and partners The Dallas Morning News, WFAA TV Channel 8, American Airlines, and The Original Cupcakery.

For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, please call 214.421.5678 or visit our website at DallasSummerMusicals.org.

About Broadway Across America:

Broadway Across America (BAA) is part of The John Gore Organization family of companies, which includes Broadway.com and The Broadway Channel. Led by 9 time Tony-winning theater producer John Gore (Owner & CEO), BAA is the foremost presenter of first-class touring productions in North America, operating in 40 markets with over 265,000 subscribers. Presentations include Disney’s The Lion King, Wicked, The Book of Mormon, The Phantom of the Opera and the up-coming Hamilton. Current and past productions include Beautiful, Chicago, Fiddler on the Roof, Finding Neverland, Million Dollar Quartet, Hairspray, On Your Feet!, The Producers, School of Rock, Waitress and the 2016 Broadway revival of Cats.

Broadway Across America is based in New York City with twelve offices throughout North America including a regional team based in Texas. BAA supports local presenting partners with industry leading programming, marketing, sales, pricing and operations teams that have helped BAA markets outperform the industry.

AN AMERICAN IN PARISTHE MOST AWARDED NEW MUSICAL OF 2015ANNOUNCES FULL CASTING FOR NATIONAL TOUR

New York, NY – The producers of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS, the most awarded new musical of 2015 and winner of four Tony Awards®, have announced the full cast for the upcoming national tour. As previously announced, Jerry Mulligan and Lise Dassin will be played by Garen Scribner and Sara Esty, who performed these leading roles on Broadway. Joining them are Etai Benson (Wicked) as Adam Hochberg; Emily Ferranti (Wicked, Dreamgirls) as Milo Davenport; Gayton Scott (Gypsy, The Women) as Madame Baurel; and Nick Spangler (The Book of Mormon, Rogers + Hammerstein’s Cinderella) as Henri Baurel.

The national tour will premiere in Boston at the Citi Wang Theatre October 25-November 6, following a preview period at Proctor’s in Schenectady, NY. The full tour route can be found on www.AnAmericanInParisBroadway.com.

Inspired by the Academy-Award winning film, AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is the romantic story about an American soldier, a mysterious French girl and an indomitable European city, each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of war. Directed and choreographed by 2015 Tony Award-winner Christopher Wheeldon, the show features the music and lyrics of George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin, and a book by Craig Lucas.

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS won four 2015 Tony Awards, four Drama Desk Awards, four Outer Critics Circle Awards, the Drama League Award for Best Musical, three Fred and Adele Astaire Awards, and two Theatre World Awards. The musical was included on the Year’s Best lists of The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Entertainment Weekly, The New Yorker, the Associated Press, The Hollywood Reporter, and The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. The Masterworks Broadway Original Broadway Cast recording of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS was nominated for the Best Musical Theater Album Grammy Award.

The score of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS includes the songs “I Got Rhythm,” “Liza,” “‘S’Wonderful,” “But Not For Me,” “I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise,” and orchestral music including “Concerto in F,” “Second Prelude,” “Second Rhapsody/Cuban Overture” and “An American In Paris.”

The production opened to widespread critical acclaim at the Palace Theatre on Broadway on April 12, 2015 after its world premiere at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris November 22, 2014-January 4, 2015. The New York production recently played its 500th performance, and continues at the Palace Theatre through Sunday, October 9, 2016. A West End production of AN AMERICAN IN PARIS will start in March 2017 at the Dominion Theatre

The producers are Stuart Oken, Van Kaplan and Roy Furman by special arrangement with Elephant Eye Theatrical, Pittsburgh CLO and Théâtre du Châtelet.

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS is presented by Dallas Summer Musicals
January 31 – February 12, 2017 at the Music Hall at Fair Park.

Dallas Summer Musicals and Performing Arts Fort Worth are excited to co-present the musical comedy classic 42nd STREET at the Music Hall at Fair Park, June 28 – July 10. This high-octane production will head over to Fort Worth, where it will play at Bass Performance Hall July 12-17. 42nd STREET tells the story of starry-eyed Peggy Sawyer who arrives in New York City from Allenstown, PA with hopes of becoming a Broadway star. Facing adversity from all directions, the young but talented performer learns about show business and discovers which relationships are most important in life. With highs and lows in her early career, Peggy experiences growth as both a performer and a young woman. Check out what the DFW Metroplex is saying about this kick-up-your-heels tap-dancing extravaganza. – DSM Cisco

Best Actor John Fredrickson from Guyer High School placed as a finalist and won a scholarship and Best Actress Kaiden Mains from Waxahachie High School won a scholarship

(July 1, 2016- Dallas, TX) The 5th Annual Dallas Summer Musicals High School Musical Theatre Awards (DSM HSMTA) Best Actor John Fredrickson from Guyer High School placed as a finalist and both he and Best Actress Kaiden Maines from Waxahachie High School won scholarships at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards (the Jimmy™ Awards) on June 27th in New York City.

This is the first time since DSM began the High School Musical Theatre Awards five years ago that the Best Actor has placed as a finalist and both Best Actor and Best Actress have won scholarships. John received a $2,500 scholarship towards his future education from the Barry and Fran Weissler Foundation and Kaiden received a $2,500 Special Recognition Scholarship presented by Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc.
John said, “The experience at the Jimmy Awards was unbelievable. It was such an honor and a privilege to represent the DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards and finish as one of the top four finalists in the nation. The whole experience was surreal as well as life changing. I cannot be more thankful to DSM for their sponsorship and all of those who supported me through this entire process. The past ten days have been the best time of my life and I will miss it all because it was truly wonderful. Hooha!”

Kaiden agreed, saying, “I had such an amazing time at the Jimmy Awards. I met so many talented people and was honored to be one of the six selected for a special recognition scholarship. I had so much fun making my Broadway debut on the Minskoff stage, and I can’t thank DSM enough for making this wonderful journey happen for me. I will miss it, but I’m looking forward to whatever is next!”

Supporting Kaiden and John in NYC were John R. Clutts, chair of The 5th Annual DSM HSMTA, Tina Walsh, the recipient of the inaugural Leah and Jerome Fullinwider Award, DSM HSMTA manager Tracy Jordan, and DSM Board Vice President Community RelationsNancy Natinsky and Vice President Education, Downie Mathis.

The annual National High School Musical Theatre Awards (the Jimmy™ Awards) is a Broadway-focused talent showcase which featured performances by all 62 nominees and solos by select finalists. Their debut on a Broadway stage followed nine days of rehearsals and private coaching with faculty at the New Studio on Broadway, NYU Tisch School of the Arts Department of Drama and other professionals. Students also enjoyed a performance of ON YOUR FEET! including a talkback with the cast.
The 2016 National High School Musical Theatre Awards introduced a new format for the program in order to accommodate more regional awards programs and provide opportunities for more students to experience Broadway and New York City. This year there were 62 students representing 31 programs, compared to last year’s 52 students representing 26 programs.
The students auditioned before a panel of judges earlier in the week, singing two prepared songs and participating in a dance call. Based on the audition results, the students were split into two groups: The Medley Group and The Production Group, leading up to when all students performed together in the opening and closing numbers on the Minskoff stage. The groups worked together throughout the week and received the same amount of coaching. All nominees were eligible for the scholarships and awards.

DSM’s HSMTA remains the largest program of its kind in the state and the second largest program of its kind in the country and has been recognized by the National High School Musical Theater Awards as their official affiliate program for North Texas.
Just this past April, Kaiden won the Best Actress award for her performance as Lady of the Lake in Waxahachie High School’s production of SPAMALOT and John won Best Actor for his performance as Bert in Guyer High School’s production of MARY POPPINS at The 5th Annual Dallas Summer Musicals High School Musical Theatre Awards show at the Music Hall at Fair Park.
Based on Broadway’s Tony Awards®, DSM’s HSMTA brings together show business veterans, community leaders and celebrities to spotlight the achievements of high school students and their school’s musical theatre programs.

HSMTA founding sponsors are Leah and Jerry Fullinwider. Honorary Chairs were Holly and Brad Reeves. DSM Chairman of the Board is Ted Munselle.

The DSM HSMTA Angels Host Committee raised over $128,000 to benefit HSMTA and scholarships. Seven cash scholarships of $5,000 each were presented to outstanding participating students. To date, DSM has awarded $135,000 in cash scholarships to outstanding students.

This year has broken all records for participating schools in HSMTA. There were 67 schools participating showcasing 70 shows, representing 33 school districts across North Texas. Among the 67 are also 7 private schools. In addition, 6 schools have entered two musicals this year for the total of 70 productions which were evaluated. This represents a new all-time high of schools, teachers and students taking part in the program. This is more than double the first year’s total of 30 schools participating.
Since DSM’s First Annual HSMTA in 2012, this has truly developed into a regional program, accepting schools as far away as Denton and Allen to the north, Waco to the south, Abilene to the west and Paris, Texas to the east.

About the National High School Musical Theatre Awards:Founded in 2009 by Nederlander Alliances LLC, Pittsburgh CLO, and Broadway Education Alliance (BEA), NHSMTA’s mission is to raise the profile of musical theatre in schools, recognize dedicated teachers and inspire the next generation of performers and enthusiasts. Also known as The Jimmy™ Awards, in honor of legendary Broadway producer/theatre owner James M. Nederlander, the NHSMTA is partnered with NYU Tisch School of the Arts and supported by many leading theatre industry organizations. More information about the National High School Musical Theatre Awards can be found at http://www.nhsmta.com

About Dallas Summer Musicals:

Dallas Summer Musicals, Inc. (DSM) is the preeminent nonprofit presenter of Broadway theatre in North Texas. DSM produces, presents and promotes excellence in live musical theatre with year-round performances for diverse audiences of all ages, impacting the lives of children and families through education and community outreach programs, while enriching the cultural landscape of Dallas/Fort Worth, North Texas and the Southwest Region.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, DSM relies on a variety of funding sources to bring the Best of Broadway to Dallas at affordable ticket prices, as well as to preserve the beautiful historic theatre, educate young audiences and create important community programs. DSM’s Seats for Kids program provides a meaningful arts education experience to thousands of low income, at-risk and special needs children. DSM Kids Club is a program created to foster tomorrow’s musical theatre audience. Through exciting activities children gain an interest, hands-on-knowledge and appreciation of the performing arts. In addition, Dallas Summer Musicals Academy of Performing Arts offers professional theatre arts training and scholarships to talented students in need. DSM’s High School Musical Theatre Awards are patterned after Broadway’s Tony(r) Awards and celebrate the power of the arts to significantly improve all areas of education. DSM Associate Producers is a dynamic group of young professionals with a mission to support DSM by cultivating future patrons and leaders making DSM part of the culture for young professionals in Dallas. DSM Guild is a group of individuals who share a love of musical theatre and support DSM by providing stellar service and hospitality to the cast and crew of every show.

Since 2010 the experts at DSM have made significant changes and upgrades to its acoustical systems to improve the sound quality of the productions for all its patrons, including the hearing impaired, leading to the development of Hear Us Now!(tm); a device which utilizes five assistive listening technologies (T-coils, FM Classroom, Streamers, FM systems, and traditional headsets) to deliver a clear and direct audio signal. It is so unique that a trademark has been allowed by the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Seats for Vets, DSM’s newest initiative, serves war veterans and their families by providing them discounted access to a unique theatrical experience as a way of thanking them for their service. Ticket sales alone do not sustain these endeavors. Only support from committed businesses, foundations and individuals make these programs possible.

Dallas Summer Musicals is presented by Texas Instruments and gratefully acknowledges the support of our season sponsors and partners The Dallas Morning News, WFAA TV Channel 8, American Airlines, and The Original Cupcakery.

For more information about Dallas Summer Musicals, please call 214.421.5678 or visit our website at DallasSummerMusicals.org.

Congratulations are in order for our DSM High School Musical Theatre Award-winning Best Actor and Actress, John and Kaiden! Out of 62 students from across the nation, both were recognized at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards on Monday night!

Kaiden Maines received the NHSMTA $2,500 Special Recognition Scholarship, presented by Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc.

John Fredrickson was a NHSMTA finalist (top four!) in the Best Actor category, and received a $2,500 scholarship from the Barry and Fran Weissler Foundation.

WE ARE SO PROUD!

—Scroll down to hear more from John and Kaiden!—

John Clutts(chair of the 2016 DSM High School Musical Theatre Awards), DSM HSMTA winners Kaiden Maines and John Fredrickson, and Tracy Jordan (DSM HSMTA Director) in New York.

John Fredrickson performing on the Minskoff Stage!

John Fredrickson, on the Minskoff Stage.

John Fredrickson and mother, Becky Fredrickson.

Kaiden with NHSMTA host, Zachary Levi.

Kaiden with her roomate, Amina Faye (Amina won Best Actress at the NHSMTAs)

Kaiden with the other Special Recognition scholarship recipients

John and Kaiden outside of the Minskoff Theatre: home of THE LION KING and the NHSMTAs!

Today was so exiting! It was my first day in production group! Today we learned the choreography for the production number and we had the dance captain from ON YOUR FEET come and teach it to us! While I’m here, I”m getting to spend time making new friends (that I love). Here are a few of them! Tomorrow we will continue the production number and get it ready for Monday night at the Minskoff! See you later, DSM! –Kaiden